Kogi state’s foremost Innovation Hub and Business Incubator, Mentor-Box Foundation, has rounded up a two week SME Development programme for early stage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
According to Eunice Emmanuel-Bagi, Executive Director of the organization, 30 entrepreneurs across Nigeria with innovative solutions to identified market gaps were selected, trained and supported with an array of learning resources to support the growth of their startups.
She noted that the selected participants were trained using what she described as a blended learning model comprising of the Venture Capital For Africa (VC4A Academy) curriculum and the Mentor-Box curriculum for soft skills development.
In line with the commitment of the organization to provide much needed mentorship support, participants who completed the training program have been matched with experienced business mentors with vast experience in agriculture, technology, health, education and energy sectors.
Speaking on the impact of the Business Incubator, one of the participants, Mr. Chijioke Oko, said the training provided holistic insight into how to navigate as a startup entrepreneur in Africa.
In her review of the training process, Isiaka Helen Ohuni said the teaching pattern was sequential, precise and impactful adding that the training has exposed her to great knowledge that will help build a successful business structure that will stand the test of time.
The highlight of the training was the pitch deck exercise; participants with winning best pitch decks and elevator pitches were supported with seed funds to support their businesses.
